So the conversation begins with 'are there any old women's pubs?' You think 'what are you on about you crazy lady?' but then you think 'are there though'?' Ah ha!! You may wonder why I mention old lady bars, this is because The State reminds me of an old man's pub. It has the original features so has lots of wood and there's many old photos plotted around the seating area. I like them! Fortunately it does not reek of an old man's pub. You know that smell when you just walk by the door?! Bolk! The State is just off of Sauchiehall Street and just round the corner from the King's Theatre so this makes it a wee cheeky break from the pure madness of Sucksthelifeoutyou Street. The State is also good for wee gigs based downstairs in the basement. I've been to a couple of gigs and I do prefer a more intimate gig so sound was admittedly LOUD but it was good music I was listening to. *shimmy* If you want a wee change pop round to the State and I saw they also have plenty beers if you like beer. Bonus for beer drinkers! Enjoy! read more

I must say, I don't often write second reviews for places, but seeing as this is The State Bar and my last review was SIX YEARS AGO I will make amends. The reason for reviewing again, is since 2009 The State has dramatically increased the variety, quantity and quality of its real ales/craft beers, offering such an excellent selection that it was crowned Glasgow CAMRA Pub of the Year 2014. This is no mean feat as there are literally thousands of pubs stretching from Oban to Rothesay, Glasgow to Strathaven, Biggar to Airdrie all included in the voting. Fan of Fyne Ales? Oakham beers? The State has at least one beer from each brewery at any one time, being a member of each brewery's "Pubs of excellence" schemes. This also means very difficult to get and one-off beers are often launched or sold exclusively here. It's just a really great pub. And it isn't expensive either. £3.50 max for a pint, including sometimes 7% beers (which I really should stay away from but it's too damn hard given how tasty they are!). If you're not sure of what beer you fancy, ask for a wee taster and the bar staff will be happy to oblige and share their recommendations. Go there now! DO IT! PS - I almost forgot... this is like the only place in the West of Scotland that shows live cricket... if that's your thing. There's also live football on the Sky Sports screens, but it doesn't attract some of your usual footy watching crowd who are just in the pub for the "bantz". The sound is never turned up that high either, but the conversation can make this a loud pub at times! read more

Wow, this place has rocketed up in quality since my last review hence the absolute NEED for an update and the elusive fifth star. In the last year and a half the State has quite simply been ordering some of the finest ales and beers I have ever had the pleasure of sampling. Gone are the days of boring old Deuchars and Kilenan ales and in come refreshing ales and craft beers from Oakham, Fyne Ales, Siren, Dark Star and Tiny Rebel to name but only a few. Guest beers and ales rotate regularly and more often that not you can sample around 6 or 7 guest ales on draught. No matter the beer you will pay a flat fee of £3. An absolute bargain considering some of the darn fine (and very expensive) craft beers they are getting in. I was thrilled to hear that The State also won CAMRA pub of the year, quite the accolade and really well deserved. Since my last review I have also sampled the food (which is served Mon-Fri, lunch time only) and my oh my was it good. The home made stake pie was one of the biggest portions of food I have ever seen and cost under £4. What is this 1989 or something??? Still I ain't complaining. The State has to be one of the most honest and authentic pubs in Glasgow, an absolute gem in the city. read more

THe State Bar - Actual lunch portions and only £3.75. You won't go hungry for the rest of the day that's for sure! - Pubs Near Me - Glasgow, GLG

I finally got to visit The State! It was a pretty busy Saturday night but we managed to take over a corner of the bar without many problems. This bar definitely fits in the old-man-boozer category, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The crowd seemed pretty chilled out and not too phased by a large group descending en masse. As other reviews have mentioned, the drinks are seriously cheap here and you'll find yourself having a bargain basement night out after a few rounds. I stuck to Strongbow but there's a great range of beers. Staff behind the bar were friendly and helpful, and there was never much of a wait to get a drink. Comfy seating, footy on the TV and cool decor means you'll feel right at home in this bar in a matter of minutes. I'll definitely be back for a return visit (especially after seeing Rocco mention the cheap/delicious food). read more

THe State Bar - Gordon M enjoys the State - Pubs Near Me - Glasgow, GLG

Can't believe I never reviewed this gem of a pub! It's probably my favourite place to drink on the Sauchiehall Street drag for a long time. Inside, it's stylish and clean, with a big bar dominating the centre of the floor. Surrounding are chairs, ledges, TVs and various decorations, the likes of which you'd expect to find in a pub. And yes, it's a pub. It's not a bar, an ale house, a gin joint, a cocktail haven - it's a good, old fashioned, Scottish style PUB. That being said, it's not stuck in the past. They've usually got a great mix of real ales that rotate in and out as stock and demand dictate, and the staff know their onions. Or ales, as the case may be. They don't frown upon being asked for a small sample so you don't end up with something that you hate, and answer any questions as best they can. The thing to remember is that The State seems to be universally popular, and as such is ALWAYS busy. I've never been in here when it's quiet. There is a lack of seats as such, so if you're not a fan of standing, that does count against the pub. It's one of those places I usually always find myself gravitating to when I'm up this end of the town - along with Nice n Sleazy and The Griffin, to give you an idea of my tastes - and I'm never disappointed. You shouldn't be either! read more

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What a great little bar this place is. I was pretty shocked that I had never been to it before, yesterday was my first trip, but it won't me my last. Old man style, but not in a worn out way. Just plenty of gleaming wood finish and setup in a traditional manner. Seemed a really mixed crowd, very friendly staff and a good atmosphere. The thing that's makes this place stand out most is the brilliant range of ales they have on the taps. Oh and they are all only 3 quid a pint!!!! It does not matter the strength or how fancy it is. If it's a pint it's 3 quid. I was drinking magic rock high wire and it was bloody brilliant. Elsewhere this would have been a fiver a pint. Hidden from me for a long time, but now I know about it. I will definitely be back. Definitely worth a look for a few pints. read more

A good pub. No hassle, with a good mix of guys and gals across the developmental lifespan and good prices at the bar. It's on a good spot, just off Sauchiehall Street and has become a favourite in recent months amongst a group of chaps I run into when there are gigs on, usually round the corner at Nice n' Sleazies. Traditional and familiar interior layout with a good selection of spirts and draught beers. A good place to come for a chat before a gig on Sauchiehall Street. read more

THe State Bar - Pubs Near Me - Glasgow, GLG

If you want to escape the studenty-possession of Sauchiehall Street then The State Bar is a shout. Tucked away on Holland Street, just off Sauchiehall Street, I would easily have missed this pub if it wasn't for the fact a friend once worked there. On my first visit, I got asked for ID on the way in (despite being well into my twenties) which tells you a little about the clientele (and, yes, ok, I admit I am very baby-faced...my mum tells me I'll appreciate it one day). I was back just last week and it was extremely busy but my friends and I didn't feel out of place amongst people of all ages and stages. We were only planning on staying for one drink but ended up getting comfortable in our own wee corner at the back and were here until kicking out time (around 12am). My friend forgot her purse, accidentally leaving it on the table, and one of the chaps who worked there kindly came out into the street to return it to her - nice to see such chivalry and honesty nowadays. A round of four drinks, including two pints, came in at under a tenner which is pretty darn good for a Friday night in the centre of Glasgow. Plus, despite the popularity, we never had to wait long to get served and if there was a small wait the folks behind the bar acknowledged you were there and you felt reassured you'd be attended to very soon. While waiting I was quite impressed by the huge choice of spirits - all neatly stacked on the large gantry situated in the middle of this, perhaps old-fashioned, but comfortable pub. Will definitely be back. read more

THe State Bar - Pubs Near Me - Glasgow, GLG

A pub on Holland Street with a group of people from Holland? Of course we had to go in! I had to laugh when I first entered because there was a sign on the door that says "We serve drinks not drunks". And there were other words of wisdom throughout the pub. The State Bar is really cozy with a nice offering of ales, ciders, and whisky (we are in Scotland afterall). I really enjoyed coming for a couple of drinks and watching all of the locals get so excited about a soccer match! read more

THe State Bar - Exterior - Pubs Near Me - Glasgow, GLG

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The State Bar is absolutely the kind of place I love to have a drink. Far from the madding, drunken extras of Booze Britain that occupy Sauchiehall Street, the State is a warm, welcoming watering hole where you can hope to get some good quality booze and, as Andrew said, a respite from the rowdy, leary nature of a large portion of town. They have a ton of whiskys, enough ale to keep my friend (and lifelong fan of The State Bar) Colin happy, a gorgeous, curved bar in the centre of the pub and loads of old rickety stools to sit on. On many an occasion there has been some foot tapping, inpromptu folk music on the menu, and even without that the atmosphere is usually that of a thriving bar. A good crowd with a mix of the young guys and stately gents, the State Bar seems to attract a laid back, pleasant clientele during all times of the week. read more

How strange. I found three Elite Yelpers in Glasgow who'd never set foot in this place before. After the shock of the news I dragged them around the corner and found them a nice wee seat in the corner. My work here is done. Still one of my favorite bars in this area and a veritable Oasis in a sea of shitty, shitty bars. Needing somewhere nice, civilized and serving decent ales? Come here, you will not be disappointed! read more

I'm trying very hard to remember my time here, when you come to anywhere after a Tikki Bar with a Scottish man the world is a tad fuzzy. What I do remember is the very friendly bar-woman and the circular mahogany bar that harks back to a Victorian time, or at least it felt that way with a dash of punk. Nice selection of ales and whiskeys which is the point that thus concludes this review, it's brain memory shut down after the dram. read more

Good for what ales you... I have been regular visitor to The State Bar for a few years now. To me, it's like a comfortable old pair of slippers, but I even remember feeling that way the first time I walked in. With its green leather seating, dark wooden interior, and central circular bar, I could sense this was the relaxed, quality boozer for me. The State skillfully manages to be lively without being loud, and cozy without feeling claustrophobic. It is an ideal place for meeting up with some pals and putting the world to rights over a few swiftly-served pints. Should the conversation begin to drag, there are several TVs dotted around showing the day's major sporting events but they never feel imposing and are quite high up making them very easy to ignore should you wish to avoid any distractions. To drink, there are 5 or so Ales to choose from, a collection of lagers including Tennent's and Staropramen, a standard selection of bottles and shorts, and the malt of the month is usually worth giving a try. Best of all, for 3 drinks you will still almost always see plenty of change from £10. Thankfully, little has changed about The State Bar since my first visit, and long may that continue to be the case. read more

If, like me, you're fed up with the loud music, bright lights and short skirts of Sausageroll Street and just want a grown up pint of grown up beer followed by a grown up single malt then here you go. With about 7 hand pulled pints on offer, plus more regular fizzy ambers available The State is a little gem of a pub. The decor is delightfully olde world woods and brass, with olde pub decorations all lit by olde world lighting giving this place something which the pubs on Sausageroll Street can't come close to. Charm. read more

Nice Glasgow pub with a gorgeous wooden and metal central oval bar. Quite some good beers on draught and bottle.

Can't actually believe I have not reviewed the state bar until now! What a great little bar it is. Styled in wood and gold trim you definitely feel like you have stepped back in time. This is really the only place in the city centre I actually really like drinking in time after time! Firstly the choice of drinks. The Ales especially such a great amazing choices and they change weekly. You will definitely be spoiled for choice. A pint of the craft beer as we call it these days will only set you back about 3 bucks which is great! Drinking better beer doesn't need to be expensive. It definitely has its regulars but it is definitely a mixed bag of people from art school students right through to the punters that have been going for years!! The music also caters for everyone, Saturday nights varies from house music to your classic. Really is a great little pub who knows what it's doing! No riff raft in sight and the staff are so friendly! Always ready to tell you about the Ales! Best bar in that area of town for miles!! read more

This place is still worth a visit. But you may not know it from the outside, this is a serious theatre pub. Go to the back and you are surrounded by playbills and autographed photos from the great British and Scottish variety acts that have visited the Kings and Alhambra theatres. Other stuff. Beer is good. Nothing unexpected - Deuchars etc all served well. Whisky selection is OK, but not the reason to visit. If folks are dragging you to the Henglers or you want to stop while at this end of Sauchiehall Street - this place is so very worth a visit. For the Anaglypta and woodwork than nothing else. Check out Francie and Josie or Bruce Forsyth while you are there as well. read more

The State is seriously cheap. Not in a nasty way, more in the £3 a beer kind of way. We popped in here (and all staggered out), after Austen M's Yelp does dumplings at the Dumpling Inn. First impression is that it's kinda like an old man's pub - but that's just a misleading, superficial impression. The night we went, it was extremely busy, but we managed to squeeze through the crowds and take up residence in a corner beside a huge (thankfully off) fireplace. They have a huge selection of beers, a lot of which are totally unpronounceable. Thankfully they have a numbered list on a board at the bar - just ask by number :) The State's a good place to hang out, and I'll be back -- but probably only with a group. Oh, and their food is apparently awesome. read more

Noise maybe quiet but very busy. Ok it is a friday and it is the end of the month. Range of beer ok, but not outstanding. Staff friendly. Good place for a pint or two but not going to rock my world read more

It's just a short walk from the Hilton and for a visitor from the states, I found the bar very comfortable. Staff were friendly to chat with you but not talk your ear off. Patrons were also very polite. Great angles to catch a football match on the many many televisions. There's a great selection of ales that are more of a 'microbrew' that a beer snob from Oregon will enjoy trying. I was getting all the half pints on the chalkboard for 1 pound 40 p. Word of warning, there isn't food served here on weekends and it is cash only. A comfy little bar that does a good job of being itself. I highly recommend it. read more

As a Yelper, it's pretty easy to be always on the hunt for the new, cool places, and to go to the bars and restaurants that have the reputation and the buzz. Yeah, you go to lots of nice places, but there's always the risk that you end up missing the gems that are right in front of you, and The State is one of those kind of gems. If I have to go out in Sauchiehall Street, I always tend to go to Sleazys or the Variety, and as good as they are you're still paying a fair amount of cash for a beer in a fairly familiar looking environment. The State might now take over from these places: for a start the beer prices are great, and it's really refreshing to see a pub that sells beer at prices that don't make you wince. The beer selection is also pretty good, both on standard tap and keg. More importantly, it feels like a lovely place to spend some time. It's essentially an old man pub, but it's an old man pub that looks like it's looked after rather than looking old because it hasn't been cared for. Everything looks old but well maintained - tables are in good condition, the paintwork looks fresh and the outside looks lovely with all the flower baskets and the like. The owners obviously care about this pub and it shows. On a weekend it's busy, but standing or if you get a seat it has a good atmosphere and the mix of punters is pretty nice. It seems to do a lot to keep people in, like comedy nights on the weekend. I always tended to avoid this pub and go straight to some of the "cooler" places. After this visit I may reconsider this approach - surprisingly good. read more

Definitely one of THE best pubs in town. I can sit here by myself and feel entirely comfortable. It's tucked away just off Sauchiehall Street and is an olde-world looking pub with wood, leather and brass a-plenty. The staff are friendly and knowledgable about their large selection of real aleas and whiskys. Happy to give you a wee taster of their draught beers if you are not sure about it. They have certain regular ales but also guest asles that change every week. They are keen on supposting local, small and independent and Scotland wide breweries too, so it's not just your run of the mill ales you get here. For those amongst us who prefer a lager over an ale (mee!!) they have a few, with Estrella Damm and Staropramen bringing a wee European flavour alongside the ubiquitous Tennents and Fosters. There is also a wide selection of spirits, bottled beers and drinks such as Crabbies and Kopparberg. They have a smaller downstairs bar which hosts regular comedy and acoustic nights, and if you remember to inquire early enough you can book it for your birthday or other occasions. The staff are also happy to reserve a table or two in the upstairs bar if you ask nicely :) I've been a regular here for about 8 years now and I cannot believe I'm only just getting round to reviewing it! Probably because I'm having such a good time when I'm here that I don't bother to take my phone out my pocket ;) read more

I was in the State Bar for the first time last night, despite having heard tell about it for a while now and I can tell you without a doubt: I heart State Bar. Last night they had live blue on, and I was in awe. Fantastic band, and the patrons all seemed mesmerized by the tunes, myself included. Decorated with small and large tables alike, plus booths coolly tucked into a corner, and big green leather arm chairs, completed the 'front room' sort of decor that I have grown to love. The fantastic round dark wood bar was etched with quotes and sayings such as 'Tis better to be happie than wyse'. Love love love it. read more

Good range of ales, can be a busy but usually manage to find a seat or a corner to stand in. Definitely a pub, not a bar, and it's been true to itself for many years. No frills, just efficient service and a good selection of beverages. Always good to have a reliable place to go for a few drinks, and the State Bar meets the bill. read more

A nice wee bar which is new for me, unusual ive never been to a bar in town lol. You enter and its done in old man styling, by that i mean it actually has a sense of style rather than being all palstic or neon. Oodles of wood finish and mirrors with a nice central bar complete with all the usual fare for spirits and alot of craft beers. Prices are quite nice too with a kraken and coke only being 2:80 and a Jd and coke being 2:65. Only downside was it was pretty warm in the place, would efinetely go again though! read more

Now if you want to visit an authentic bar in Glasgow this is it. Great selection of ales scotches in an environment that feels early 1900s. Great place to hang out in Glasgow. read more

Unfortunately a downgrade on my previous review. I'm so sad about that. We went here on a Friday night. It was packed, so a good atmosphere if you like that sort of buzz. This meant that there were no seats and we had to stand, but hey, that's no biggie. It would also be amazing if you like the company of blokey blokes. I could probably count the number of women on one hand. Not a bad thing, don't get me wrong, it's just that kind of traditional man-bar, which is fine with me, but I know that this isn't maybe the most comfortable environment for everyone. However, the main reason for the downgrade is there was nothing on tap that I really fancied. I'm a stout fan, and they had nothing for me. Bah. I had a half pint of something or other, but apologies, I actually can't remember what it was - completely unmemorable. I can remember that Simon H had some sort of ginger effort that he really enjoyed, but mine? - nope, no idea. The bar man was lovely though, and gave us wee samples to give us a taste. He really seemed to know his stuff. Also, the lighting was terrible. OK, so this is a particular bugbear of mine as I'm really sensitive to light, and most folks won't even notice this sort of thing. However, we had to leave after about 20 minutes as the lighting was bothering me so much, and the next day, I noticed that the skin on my arms had actually broken out in a rash because of it. I have never had such a severe reaction to inside lighting - what do they have there, some sort of kryptonite light or something? I think they must have those hideous long-life bulbs from when they were fist invented. Ugh. All that said, I would go back to The State, as I've really enjoyed a previous visit, but I'd go at a quieter time, maybe in daylight, or when I could get a seat in a dark corner, and hopefully they'd have a better choice on tap. I'd say it's worth checking out anyway., I have not given up faith in the potential awesomeness of The State Bar. read more

I first came across the State Bar in 2006 whilst working on the Silverburn Shopping Centre, and staying in a hotel just around the corner. Being a lover of cask ales I called in one Tuesday night, well in walked a bunch of musicians calling themselves The Statesboro Blues Band and after playing for about 45 mins ran an open mike session. The band are excellent and have been performing together at the State Bar every Tuesday night for 23 years it's a great nights free entertainment I've been going there at least twice a year, fitting in a Tuesday night ever since. Jason Lyons who sadly passed away in 2016 managed the pub then and he kept some great ales and a great bar. They still have a great selection of cask ales and the lunchtime food is very good and reasonably priced, looking forward to visiting again soon. read more

I've actually been trying to hunt down this bar for years. I lived in Glasgow for a month almost 5 years ago and all I could remember is walking to it from Blythswood Square and into the best ales I've ever had. That says a lot given how many beer festivals I go to. Nothing has compared, and I remember the bar itself being so comfortable and comforting after work and school. I would have given this bar my tuition to learn about these beers. If anyone can let me know about the ales on tap, I'd be eternally grateful. I've hunted websites and all I can remember is drunkenly asking for something that started with a "D". read more

A lively, yet comfortable pub not far from the King's Theatre. The State is a good alternative to the madness of the Sauchiehall Street pub trap. All kinds of theatrical posters and headshots adorn the walls and the furniture is quite cosy. This pub has every reason in the world to be up itself and full of a-holes, but it's not. What a pleasant surprise! I'm sure I'll be back for another pint someday soon. read more

great staff. exceedingly helpful, and always happy and smiley - even in the midst of a Friday night rush. Drinks wise, it's your standard bar affair (althought the lesser seen McLachlans is on tap, a welcome sight) and prices are fairly standard for city centre joints. read more

Not sure should' give 4 * but was not so impressed . Fair range of real ale , quality ok not bad price . Decent old style pub obviously well used by locals . Could do with a bit of redecoration . Quite a walk from centre but well worth it . Certainly got atmosphere . read more

one of the few truly great pubs in the city centre, this is the perfect spot for a quiet pint (or twelve) with your lover, your mother, your mates, whoever. and it won't rape your wallet either. also, check out the comedy night downstairs on saturdays - it's always great craic! go once, then go often. read more

One of the best bars in Glasgow if you enjoy a good pint of real ale at a decent price (£2.75). Can't really advise much on other drink prices although my friends say that they are fairly standard. There are 8 real ale hand pumps with 4 regular + 4 guest ales. The pub can be a little bit crowded at weekends due to it's close proximity to Sauchiehall Street where many revellers flock. It also does typical pub grub during the day (excluding weekends). Have visited the pub many a time and always found it warm and welcoming environment. Worth a try if you are in the area. read more

Good place to watch a game. I came in having seen on Yelp that they had food, but when I asked at the bar around 9pm on a Friday they said they did not -- and I certainly didn't see anybody else eating. Friendly crowd (even to an American sitting alone) and great beer selection. read more

too noisy

I cannot believe that this bar has not been reviewed, its got a great selection of Real Ales. I only found it by mistake after a visit to the theatre and was wandering around looking for a good pint before heading back to my hotel. The beer selection was that good I ended up staying for quite a few. read more

Decent pub, refurbished and looking rather spiffy. It's ok for a quick pint before the train.